TURKEY season is open. Opening day reports suggest that many hens are being seen by hunters indicating little nesting activity and toms that are less receptive to calls. Early season hunters will increase their chances of success by staying out in the field all day. Walking into hunting areas that are not reachable by vehicles can produce enjoyable, uninterrupted hunts. Snow may limit access in the early part of the season.
SPRING BEAR hunting season is open. Look for bears on open South slopes. Hunters should watch bears carefully before taking a shot, to be sure that a sow with cubs is not taken. Cubs are quite small in the early spring and may be hard to see. Early scouting should include checking access to hunting areas that may be snowed in. Many forest roads will be soft with early snow melt, take care not to cause unnecessary ruts. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear’s mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.
COUGAR hunting is open. Warmer weather and a rise in snow levels will make tracking more challenging. Hunters should focus there efforts near deer and elk winter range. Setting up about 150 yards downwind of a deer/elk kill site during the twilight hours can be productive. Cougars are attracted to turkey calls; however turkey loads are not legal for harvesting cougars. A shot size of #1 buck or larger or slugs are required for the legal take of cougars with a shotgun. Hunters with cougar tags are advised to carry slugs or buckshot while turkey hunting. Always prop the mouth wide open on harvested cougars and bears, this saves time when biologists pull a tooth. Hunters bringing in frozen heads with the jaw shut will be asked to return at a later date with the jaw open.
COYOTE numbers are strong throughout the county. Using predator calls as a lure and moving call sights after 20 minutes is an effective method for harvesting coyotes.
COUGAR hunting is open. Warmer weather and a rise in snow levels will make tracking more challenging. Hunters should focus there efforts near deer and elk winter range. Setting up about 150 yards downwind of a deer/elk kill site during the twilight hours can be productive. Cougars are attracted to turkey calls; however turkey loads are not legal for harvesting cougars. A shot size of #1 buck or larger or slugs are required for the legal take of cougars with a shotgun. Hunters with cougar tags are advised to carry slugs or buckshot while turkey hunting. Always prop the mouth wide open on harvested cougars and bears, this saves time when biologists pull a tooth. Hunters bringing in frozen heads with the jaw shut will be asked to return at a later date with the jaw open.
COYOTE numbers are strong throughout the county. Using predator calls as a lure and moving call sights after 20 minutes is an effective method for harvesting coyotes.
Remember a lot of land in Union County is owned or used by farmers and ranchers. You need permission to hunt and should always be careful not to damage fencing or leave gates open!
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